Stomach Liposuction Versus Tummy Tucks

When people have troublesome issues with their abdominal area, often diet and exercise are not enough. Loose skin and stubborn belly fat cannot always be dealt with by these ideal methods. Many times, the fat has a genetic component and areas of it will stick around no matter how fit the person becomes. Additionally, there is no magical food or fitness regime that with tighten skin that has been stretched beyond the point of elasticity. In either of these cases, people may choose to turn to plastic surgery, and thus begins the debate of stomach liposuction versus tummy tucks. There are many differences between the two that should be considered in order to make an informed choice.

The Issue

Tummy tucks and stomach liposuction deal with two rather different issues. Liposuction is involved in removing pockets of stubborn fat from the body in order to help with sculpting. However, it isn't really a method for weight loss; rather it is to help with contouring where diet and exercise fail. Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, deal with skin rather than with fat. After dramatic and often rapid weight loss, people are left with skin that is loose and baggy. While the scale may say they are thin, the excess skin can make them feel less attractive than when they were heavier. Tummy tucks are used to remove this extra skin, allowing for a more taunt appearance.

The Procedure

Yet another area where stomach liposuction and tummy tucks differ is in the procedures used. In liposuction, the area is filled with fluid through small incisions and then the fluid and fat (generally between about 5 and 10 pounds of fat) are sucked out through those same openings. The procedure relies on the skin's natural elasticity to tighten it up. A tummy tuck is very different. A wide incision is made above the pubic area and another is made around the navel. The skin is separated from the muscles underneath; if needed, the muscles themselves can be tightened at this point with sutures. The extra skin is cut off, a new hole is made for the belly button, and everything is stitched closed.

The Time Involved

One more issue to consider in the stomach liposuction versus tummy tuck debate is the time involved in surgery and recovery. Liposuction is generally performed as a walk-in/walk-out procedure. This means that usually general anesthesia is unwarranted and patients can resume fairly normal activities right away. A day or two off from work or school is considered the norm for liposuction. Tummy tucks, on the other hand are considered major abdominal surgery. They are usually performed in some sort of surgical facility or hospital, and general anesthesia is not uncommon. The average person's recovery time for a tummy tuck is at least two weeks. In fact, doctors often recommend a couple days of bed rest after the procedure.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when deciding between stomach liposuction and a tummy tuck. Of course, some people are candidates for both, and in reality liposuction is often performed to some degree with a tummy tuck in order to ensure proper contouring. However, knowing the details of both procedures can make it easier to talk to a certified plastic surgeon about which option is best for you.